Loading devices and methods for percutaneous perforation closure systems

ABSTRACT

A device for folding an implant having a wing into a an overlapped configuration includes a funnel body comprising: a first portion configured to receive and protect the implant when the wing of the implant is in a flat or relaxed state, a second portion proximal to the first portion and configured to engage and fold opposite first and second side portions of the wing of the implant in a predetermined direction when the implant is retracted proximally from the first portion of the funnel body and into the second portion of the funnel body, and an overlap guide configured to direct the path of a first one of the side portions of the wing such that the first and second side portions of the wing are overlapped in a predetermined manner and to prevent respective edges of the first and second side portions of the wing from butting into each other as the first and second side portions of the wing are guided into the overlapping configuration during proximal retraction of the implant relative to the funnel body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/789,584, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to closure systems, devices, and methods for use in surgical procedures.

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive procedures are continually increasing in number and variation in part because such techniques offer an immediate advantage over more traditional, yet highly invasive surgeries. Endoscopic surgery, for example, uses one or more scopes inserted through small incisions for diagnosing and treating disease. In particular, endovascular surgery gives access to many regions of the body, such as the heart, through major blood vessels. Typically, the technique involves introducing a surgical instrument percutaneously into a blood vessel, such as, for example, the femoral artery. The currently emerging percutaneous endovascular procedures include aortic valve replacement, mitral valve repair, abdominal and thoracic aneurysm repair and tricuspid valve replacement. Other procedures requiring access to the femoral artery include coronary, carotid and cerebral angiographic procedures.

Other examples of a minimally invasive procedure include NOTES (Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery) based surgery, e.g. transgastric, transvesical, and transcolonic approaches.

A key feature of these minimally invasive surgical procedures is the forming of a temporary pathway, usually an incision or dilated perforation, to the surgical site. For example, in the emerging percutaneous endovascular procedures, an access site (e.g. incision, puncture hole, or perforation) ranging from approximately 10 to 30 French units is formed as a temporary pathway to access the target site. Various instruments, such as procedural sheaths, guidewires and catheters, are inserted through the access site, as well as specialized medical instruments, such as, balloon catheters and stents.

Currently, these large (10 to 30 French (F)) puncture holes (or perforations) or access sites are routinely created after surgical cut down to the blood vessel and post procedure are closed via cut-down surgical repair. This method is very invasive and fraught with complications. Accordingly, the rapid development of percutaneous endovascular surgery, of which interventional radiology and cardiology are a major component, has led to the need for instrumentation to minimize the risk of complications associated with closing the access site after a procedure.

SUMMARY

In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a device for folding an implant having a wing into a an overlapped configuration is provided. The device includes: a funnel body comprising a first portion configured to receive and protect the implant when the wing of the implant is in a relaxed state, a second portion proximal to the first portion and configured to engage and fold opposite first and second side portions of the wing of the implant in a predetermined direction when the implant is retracted proximally from the first portion of the funnel body and into the second portion of the funnel body, and an overlap guide configured to direct the path of a first one of the side portions of the wing such that the first and second side portions of the wing are overlapped in a predetermined manner and to prevent respective edges of the first and second side portions of the wing from butting into each other as the first and second side portions of the wing are guided into the overlapping configuration during proximal retraction of the implant relative to the funnel body.

The overlap guide may include a channel configured to receive one of the side portions of the wing to provide an offset between the side portions of the wing such that the edges of the side portions do not butt into each other as the side portions are folded into the overlapping configuration.

The overlap guide may include a rib configured to engage one of the side portions of the wing to provide an offset between the side portions of the wing such that the edges of the side portions do not butt into each other as the side portions are folded into the overlapping configuration.

The overlap guide may include a cutout slot in the funnel body.

The overlap guide may include a flexible tab.

The overlap guide may include a scoop.

The overlap guide may include one or more convex walls.

The overlap guide may include a tear-drop profile providing offset surfaces to direct respective side portions of the implant.

The overlap guide may include a dimple.

The funnel body may include an elliptical inner profile.

The funnel body may include four distinct zones including a first zone corresponding to the first portion of the funnel body, a second zone corresponding to the second portion of the funnel body, a third zone corresponding to the overlap guide of the funnel body, and a fourth zone corresponding to the location of a loading cannula that is separable from the loading funnel.

The device may further include a loading cannula separable from the loading funnel and configured to receive the implant from the loading funnel after the implant has been converted to its overlapped configuration via proximal movement of the implant through the loading funnel.

At an interface between the loading funnel and loading cannula, an internal diameter of the loading funnel may be less than the internal diameter of the loading cannula such that the implant does not catch on a proximal edge of the loading cannula as the implant is moved proximally into the loading cannula.

The second portion of the device may include sloped surfaces configured to engage the side portions of the wing in a manner that forces the side portions to be folded in a predetermined direction.

In accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, a method of loading an implant having a flexible wing into a loading cannula, includes: retracting the implant proximally through the device according to any of the preceding claims until the implant is disposed in the loading cannula; and separating the loading cannula from the loading funnel.

In accordance with example embodiments, a device for sealing an aperture in a tissue includes: (a) an implant configured to seal the aperture when positioned adjacent to the aperture; and (b) a delivery shaft configured to engage the implant to allow the implant to be maneuvered into sealing engagement with a distal surface of the tissue, the delivery shaft comprising: (i) a retaining sleeve comprising a locking projection engagable with the locking recess of the implant to secure the implant to the delivery shaft, and (ii) a release sleeve axially slideable relative to the retaining sleeve between a first axial position in which the release sleeve is configured to maintain locking engagement between the locking recess of the implant and the locking projection of the retaining sleeve, and a second axial position in which the release sleeve permits the locking projection of the retaining sleeve to disengage the locking recess of the implant.

The release sleeve may include an interlocking projection configured to engage an interlocking recess of the implant when the release sleeve is in the first axial position and to disengage the interlocking recess when the release sleeve is moved from the first axial position to the second axial position.

The interlocking projection may be one of plurality of interlocking projections configured to engage a respective plurality of interlocking recesses of the implant.

The projection may be biased toward a flared position such that movement of the release sleeve from the first axial position to the second axial position causes the interlocking projection to flare away from and out of engagement with the interlocking recess of the implant.

The device may further include: a handle coupled to the delivery shaft; and an actuator moveable between a first position and second position relative to the handle, wherein the device is configured such that (a) movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes a change in the position of two components of the implant relative to each other and (b) movement of the actuator from the second position to the first position causes the delivery shaft to release the implant.

The implant may be formed of a polymer adapted to remain shelf stable and functional for sealing after terminal sterilization.

The polymer may be adapted to remain shelf stable and functional for sealing after terminal sterilization using at least one of (a) ethylene oxide, (b) electron-beam, (c) gamma irradiation, and (d) nitrous oxide.

The polymer may be biodegradable.

The polymer may comprise Polydioxanone, Poly-L-lactide, Poly-D-lactide, Poly-DL-lactide, Polyglycolide, ε-Caprolactone, Polyethylene glycol, or combinations of these.

The polymer may comprise polydioxanone.

The device may be configured to seal a perforation in a hollow vessel.

The implant may include an intraluminal portion configured to form a seal with the perforation by contacting an intraluminal surface of the hollow vessel.

The implant may include an extra-luminal portion configured to extend outside the hollow vessel, the delivery shaft being configured to engage the implant via the extra-luminal portion.

The implant may include a flexible wing extending outwardly from a base portion.

The device may be configured to be guided over a guidewire.

The implant may be formed at least in part of a material having an inherent viscosity in a range from 0.5 to 7.0 dl/g.

The implant may include a flexible wing having a diameter greater than a diameter of the aperture in the tissue.

The implant may include a distal foot portion, a flexible wing, and a recessed surface disposed in the distal foot portion and into which the flexible wing is positioned and crimped to provide an effective fluid seal between the foot portion and the flexible wing.

The crimping may be achieved using at least one of (a) mechanical, (b) chemical, and (c) thermal methods.

The implant may include: a flexible wing; and a foot including a distal portion configured to be disposed distally of the flexible wing when the implant is positioned to seal the aperture and a proximal neck configured to extend away from the aperture and proximally away from the aperture.

The distal portion of the foot may have a length this is greater than a diameter of the aperture.

The proximal neck may be flexible relative to the distal portion of the foot.

The proximal neck may extend distally along an axis relative to an upper surface of the distal portion of the foot at an angle that is within the range from 10° to 70°.

The distal portion of the foot may be configured to reinforce the flexible wing to facility sealing of the aperture.

The implant may include a base portion and a pin moveable relative to the base portion between a first position and a second position, wherein the pin in the second position is configured to extend outwardly from the base to provide a safety against the base being fully pushed or pulled distally through the aperture to be sealed.

The implant may include a guide channel configured to receive a guide wire.

The pin may be configured to block the guide channel when the pin is in the second position.

The pin may be configured to leave the guide channel open when the pin is the second position.

The base may include a cavity configured to allow sealing of the guide channel via coagulation after removal of a guidewire from the guide channel.

The device may further include: a loading funnel configured to fold the implant into an elongated folded configuration to permit the wing to pass through a procedural sheath when the delivery shaft maneuvers the implant into a location of the aperture to be sealed.

The loading funnel may include: a tapered portion configured to progressively fold the implant into the folded configuration when the implant is maneuvered through the tapered portion in a proximal direction; and a narrowed portion configured to receive the implant with the flexible wing in the folded configuration when the implant is maneuvered further in the proximal direction and proximally beyond the tapered portion.

The tapered portion may include a frustoconical conical portion and the narrowed portion comprises a cylindrical portion.

The frustoconical portion and the cylindrical portion may be non-concentric.

The narrowed portion may include a cannula configured receive the implant with the wing in the folded configuration and that can be detached from the remainder of the loading funnel.

The device may further include a packaging having a proximal and a distal end, wherein: the delivery shaft, the implant, and the loading funnel are disposed in the packaging such that the delivery shaft extends distally through the narrowed portion of the funnel and into the tapered portion, where the delivery shaft is coupled to the implant; and the loading funnel is held in the packaging such that proximal movement of the delivery shaft relative to the package causes, sequentially, (a) proximal movement of the implant through the tapered portion to progressively fold the implant into the folded configuration, (b) proximal movement of the implant into the cannula, and (c) separation of the cannula, with the implant disposed therein, from the remainder of the loading funnel.

The implant may be held in the tapered portion by the delivery shaft a location.

The device may further include a handle coupled to the delivery shaft.

The cannula may be configured to access multiple forms of introducer sheaths.

In accordance with example embodiments, a method of using the device includes: loading the implant in to the cannula at the time of a surgery in which the implant is used; and inserting the cannula into a proximal access of a procedural sheath in order to introduce the implant in the folded configuration into the procedural sheath.

The method may further include feeding a proximal end of the guidewire through the implant and the delivery shaft prior to inserting the cannula into the proximal access of the procedural sheath, such that the distal end of the guidewire extends through the aperture to be closed by the implant.

In accordance with example embodiments, a device includes: a sealing member configured to seal the aperture when positioned adjacent to the aperture; and a delivery device releasably coupleable to the sealing member such that the delivery device is configured to position the sealing member adjacent to the aperture, wherein the sealing member comprises a passageway configured to receive a guidewire to guide the sealing member to the aperture, the sealing member configured to seal the passageway after complete removal of the guidewire from the passageway.

The sealing member may include a base portion and a moveable member that is moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the base portion.

The sealing member may be configured such that movement of the moveable member from the first position to the second position causes occlusion of the passageway in order to seal the passageway after removal of the guidewire from the passageway.

The delivery device may be configured to move the moveable member from the first position to the second position.

In one aspect of example embodiments of the invention, an implantable device for sealing a surgical perforation is provided. In accordance with example embodiments, this device is polymer-based. For example, the device may be formed of a biodegradable polymer. The resulting biodegradable polymer may be biocompatible and bioresorbable with the ability to degrade when implanted in-vivo.

A biodegradable polymer can have crystalline and amorphous regions and are therefore, in general, semi-crystalline in nature. Degradation of a biodegradable polymer such as initiates in the amorphous regions, with the crystalline regions also degrading but at a slower rate relative to the amorphous regions. Without wishing to be tied to a theory, degradation of a polymer such as Polydioxanone (PDO) occurs along the polymer back bone by hydrolysis of the ester bonds. This non-specific ester bond scission occurs randomly along the polymer chain with water penetration initially cutting the chemical bonds and converting the long polymer chains into natural monomeric acids found in the body, such as lactic acid. Such monomeric acids are then phagocytized by the enzymatic action of special types of mononuclear and multinuclear white blood cells. The polymer is thus degraded into non-toxic, low molecular weight residues that are capable of being eliminated from the body by normal metabolic pathways, e.g. via exhalation and/or excretion. Such a pathway thereby enables reference to the breakdown of such polymers in-vivo through terminology such as absorbable, bioabsorbable, degradation, biodegradation, resorbtion, bioresorbtion, etc.

In another aspect, the biodegradable polymer may be shelf stable even after terminal sterilization, e.g. using ethylene oxide, gamma irradiation, e-beam irradiation, nitrous oxide, etc. for in vivo use. In accordance with example embodiments, the biodegradable polymer is designed to withstand terminal sterilization, such as ethylene oxide sterilization, and still maintain long-term shelf life stability and product functionality. Terminal sterilization, such as by ethylene oxide, can have a dramatic effect on the structural stability of polymers as they are either degraded into low molecular weight species or cross linked into complex polymeric systems, which can negatively alter the post-sterilization polymer properties. Accordingly, in order to provide a post sterilization, shelf-stable, biocompatible polymeric implant; the polymer, in accordance with example embodiments of the present invention, is able to survive the terminal sterilization procedure and still maintain functionality.

It has been found that post-sterilization stability is achievable by using polymers with an inherent viscosity [IV] (which is a method of evaluating the relative molecular weight of the polymeric system) that is of a sufficient starting range to endure a drop in IV post-sterilization and still meet the required implant design requirements. Without wishing to be tied to a theory, it is believed that polymers are susceptible to degrade into lower molecular weight species during terminal sterilization, thereby affecting the inherent viscosity of the implant during storage. By starting with a polymer system with an IV value in its upper range pre-sterilization, it is possible to have a sterile system, post-sterilization with an IV lower than that of the starting system but that is designed to meet the required shelf-life stability. This IV value is typically in the range of 0.5-7.0 dl/g.

Additionally, in accordance with example embodiments, the use of a specific and defined atmosphere for storage of the implant pre- and post-sterilization further adds to increasing the post-sterilization shelf-life stability of the polymer in question. One such method is the use of a controlled atmosphere, specifically one where excessive moisture is reduced via a vacuum or low moisture containing dried gases such as nitrogen, argon, etc. Furthermore, the use of packaging materials with a low moisture vapor transmission rate, for example orientated polypropylene (OPP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyethylene (PE), foil-based packaging materials (e.g. aluminium), or combinations thereof, in combination with a low moisture environment can further aid in enhancing the stability of the polymeric material post-sterilization.

Further features and aspects of example embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the appended Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a closure device with an alternative extra-luminal pin and situated on a guidewire extending into an artery, the artery shown in cross-section.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the closure device of FIG. 1A with an alternative extra-luminal pin and situated on a guidewire extending into the artery of FIG. 1A, the artery shown in cross-section.

FIG. 1C shows a front view of the closure device of FIG. 1A engaging the artery, the artery shown in cross-section.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the closure device of FIG. 1A when not engaged with the artery, disposed on a guidewire, and with an extra-luminal pin in a retracted position.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the closure device of FIG. 2A when not engaged with the artery, and with the extra-luminal pin in a deployed position.

FIG. 2C shows a right side view of the closure device shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D shows a right side view of the closure device shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 3A shows a right side view of a foot core of the closure device shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of the foot core shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of the foot core shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the foot core shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of another foot core.

FIG. 4B shows a front view of the foot core shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the foot core shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D shows a bottom view of the foot core shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E shows a perspective view of the foot core shown in FIG. 4A and a wing element.

FIG. 4F shows a right side view of the foot core and wing element shown in FIG. 4E.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of another foot core.

FIG. 5B shows a front view of the foot core of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A shows a wing element of the device of FIG. 1A in a flat state.

FIG. 6B shows the wing element of FIG. 6A in a folded or curved state.

FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional right side view of a closure system incorporating the closure device shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional right side view of the closure device shown in FIG. 7A in a released state.

FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of the extra-luminal pin element.

FIG. 7D shows a perspective view of another extra-luminal pin element.

FIG. 8A shows a left side view of another closure system.

FIG. 8B shows a left side view of the closure system of FIG. 8B after deployment of an extra-luminal pin arrangement.

FIG. 9A shows a left side view of another closure system.

FIG. 9B shows a left side view of the closure system of FIG. 9A after deployment of an extra-luminal pin.

FIG. 10A shows a left side view of another closure system.

FIG. 10B shows a left side view of the closure system of FIG. 9A after deployment of an extra-luminal pin.

FIG. 11A shows a left side view of another closure system.

FIG. 11B shows a left side view of the closure system of FIG. 11A after deployment of an extra-luminal pin.

FIG. 12A shows a left side view of another closure system.

FIG. 12B shows a left side view of the closure system of FIG. 12A after deployment of an extra-luminal pin.

FIG. 13A shows another foot core.

FIG. 13B shows another foot core.

FIG. 14 shows another foot core.

FIG. 15A shows a foot core having a flexible neck.

FIG. 15B shows another foot core having a flexible neck.

FIG. 16 shows a foot core that does not include a wing-receiving recess.

FIG. 17A shows an implant that utilizes a wing-retention collar.

FIG. 17B shows the implant of FIG. 17B with the collar mounted.

FIG. 17C is an enlarged partial view of the implant of FIG. 17B.

FIG. 18 is a sectional side view of a foot core and an intra-luminal pin.

FIG. 19 shows an implant.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a cross-sectioned implant of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a cross-sectioned implant of FIG. 19 with an extra-luminal pin in a deployed position.

FIG. 22A shows a foot core of the implant of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22B shows a flexible wing of the implant of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22C shows an extra-luminal pin of the implant of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the implant of FIG. 19.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the implant of FIG. 19.

FIG. 25 is a back view of the implant of FIG. 19.

FIG. 26 is a top view of the implant of FIG. 19.

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the implant of FIG. 19.

FIG. 28A shows a front perspective view of a foot core.

FIG. 28B shows a rear perspective view of the foot core of FIG. 28A.

FIG. 28C shows a top view of the foot core of FIG. 28A.

FIG. 28D shows a bottom view of the foot core of FIG. 28A.

FIG. 28E shows a perspective view of the bottom of the foot core of FIG. 28A.

FIG. 29 is a partial sectional view the flexible wing of the implant of FIG. 19.

FIG. 30 shows a side view of a procedural sheath.

FIG. 31A shows a right side view of a delivery system for implanting the closure device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 31B is an enlarged view of section A of FIG. 31A.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the closure device attached to a distal tip of the delivery system of FIG. 31A.

FIG. 33A is an exploded perspective view showing a retaining sleeve, foot core, and extra-luminal pin of the system of FIG. 31A.

FIG. 33B shows a perspective view of the components shown in FIG. 33A in an assembled state with a wing and guidewire.

FIG. 33C shows the assembly of FIG. 33B together with a release sleeve.

FIG. 34A shows a perspective view of the retaining sleeve of the system of FIG. 31A

FIG. 34B shows a partial side view of the foot core of the closure device of FIG. 1A, corresponding to the extra-luminal section of the foot core.

FIG. 34C shows a cross-sectional side view of an interlocking connection between the retaining sleeve, foot core, and release sleeve of the system of FIG. 31A.

FIG. 35 shows a side view of interior components of the handle of the delivery system of FIG. 31A.

FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of a loading funnel.

FIG. 37 shows the funnel of FIG. 36, the closure device of FIG. 1A, and a shaft of the delivery system of FIG. 31A.

FIG. 38 shows the components shown in FIG. 37 with the closure device disposed within the funnel.

FIG. 39A shows a perspective view of another loading funnel.

FIG. 39B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the loading funnel of FIG. 39A.

FIG. 39C shows a perspective view of the loading funnel of FIG. 39A.

FIG. 40A shows a perspective view of another loading funnel.

FIG. 40B shows an exploded view of the loading funnel of FIG. 40A.

FIG. 41A shows a perspective view of another loading funnel.

FIG. 41B shows a cross-sectional partial perspective view of the loading funnel of FIG. 41A.

FIG. 42A shows an exploded perspective view of the loading funnel of FIG. 41A.

FIG. 42B shows a further exploded perspective view of the loading funnel of FIG. 41A.

FIG. 43A shows a perspective view of a split funnel body.

FIG. 43B shows a perspective view of a splittable funnel body with a notched wall.

FIG. 43C shows a side view of the funnel body of FIG. 43B.

FIG. 43D shows a rear view of the funnel body of FIG. 43B.

FIG. 43E shows a perspective view of a splittable funnel body with a notched wall and lead-in notch.

FIG. 43F shows a side view of the funnel body of FIG. 43E.

FIG. 43G shows a rear view of the funnel body of FIG. 43E.

FIG. 43H shows a perspective view of a staged funnel body.

FIG. 43I shows a side view of the staged funnel body of FIG. 43H.

FIG. 43J shows a perspective view of an offset funnel body.

FIG. 43K shows a side view of the offset funnel body of FIG. 43J.

FIG. 43L shows a perspective view of the offset funnel body of FIG. 43J showing the relative position of an implant prior to loading along a guidewire

FIG. 43M shows a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 43L.

FIG. 44 shows a guidewire being back-loaded to the foot core of the closure device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 45A shows insertion of the closure device of FIG. 1A being inserted into a loading funnel.

FIG. 45B shows a cap and seal snapped to a funnel body of the loading funnel of FIG. 45A.

FIG. 46A shows a perspective view of the loading funnel of FIG. 45B, containing the closure device of FIG. 1A being inserted into a hub of the procedural sheath of FIG. 30.

FIG. 46B shows a cross-sectional side view of the loading funnel of FIG. 45B, containing the closure device of FIG. 1A, inserted into the hub of the procedural sheath of FIG. 30.

FIG. 47A shows advancement of the delivery system of FIG. 31A and the closure device of FIG. 1A down the procedural sheath of FIG. 30.

FIG. 47B shows advancement of the closure device of FIG. 1A and the distal portion of the delivery system of FIG. 31A into an arterial lumen.

FIG. 48 shows the procedural sheath of FIG. 30 being withdrawn from the artery, with the artery shown in sectional side view.

FIG. 49A shows the arrangement of FIG. 48 with deployment of the extra-luminal pin of the closure device.

FIG. 49B shows the arrangement of FIG. 49A with the closure device released from the delivery system.

FIG. 50 shows the arrangement of FIG. 49B after withdrawal of the procedural sheath and delivery system from the tissue tract.

FIG. 51A shows a rotatable interlocking arrangement.

FIG. 51B shows the interlocking arrangement of FIG. 51A in a disengaged state.

FIG. 51C shows another interlocking arrangement in a disengaged state.

FIG. 51D shows another interlocking arrangement in a disengaged state.

FIG. 52 shows an exploded view of a handle portion of a delivery system for implanting a closure device.

FIG. 53 shows components of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52.

FIG. 54A shows a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 in an initial state with a guidewire in place.

FIG. 54B shows a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 with the guidewire being removed.

FIG. 54C shows a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 after removal of the guidewire.

FIG. 54D shows a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 after removal of the guidewire and depression of a lock member.

FIG. 54E shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a lock member of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 with the lock portion in a locked position.

FIG. 54F shows a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 at the onset of distal actuation of a thumb slider.

FIG. 55A shows a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 with the thumb slider moved to a distal position.

FIG. 55B shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 with the thumb slider moved to the distal position.

FIG. 56a shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 with the thumb slider in a proximal position.

FIG. 56B shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 with the thumb slider moved to the distal position.

FIG. 57A shows a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 at the onset of proximal actuation of the thumb slider.

FIG. 57B shows a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 with the thumb slider returned to the proximal position after both distal actuation and subsequent proximal actuation.

FIG. 57C shows a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the delivery system of FIG. 52 with the thumb slider moved to distal position a second time.

FIG. 58 shows a packaged surgical closure device product.

FIGS. 59 and 60 show a loading funnel of the product of FIG. 58.

FIG. 61 shows an exploded view of components of a delivery system and a closure device.

FIG. 62 shows components of a device after removal from a packaging tray of FIG. 58.

FIG. 63 shows a cross-sectional view of a loading funnel.

FIGS. 64 to 69 sequentially illustrate an implant being retracted into an overlapped configuration and into a loading cannula.

FIGS. 70 to 77 sequentially illustrate, from a front view, an implant being reacted into an overlapped configuration and into a loading cannula.

FIG. 78 shows the loading cannula and implant after being separated from the loading funnel.

FIG. 79 shows a loading funnel having a rib.

FIG. 80 shows a cross-sectional view of the loading funnel of FIG. 63 with a proximally disposed loading cannula.

FIG. 81 shows a loading funnel with a slot and a flexible tab.

FIG. 82 shows a loading funnel with an inboard scoop.

FIG. 83 shows a loading funnel with an elliptical inner profile.

FIG. 84 shows a loading funnel with convex walls.

FIG. 85 shows a loading funnel with a trajectory inboard scoop.

FIG. 86 shows a loading funnel having a dimple.

FIG. 87 shows a loading funnel having a dimple that forms an elongated ramp surface.

FIG. 88 shows a loading funnel having a loading funnel with a smooth ramp surface over the full length of travel.

FIG. 89 shows a loading funnel with a tear-drop inner profile.

FIG. 90 shows a loading funnel with an exaggerated tear-drop inner profile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various example embodiments are described in detail herein. These embodiments generally share certain features in common. Accordingly, the various embodiments each share common features, except to the extent indicated otherwise. As such, for the sake of conciseness, the description of the common features is not repeated in connection with the description of each described embodiment. Further, features that are the same or analogous among the various embodiments are, in connection with some embodiments, given like reference numbers, but followed by a letter associated with the particular embodiment. For example, if an embodiment has an element 7, the corresponding or analogous element in further embodiments would be designated 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, and so on. For convenience, the description of these features is not repeated in connection with each embodiment; rather, it should be understood that the description of these features in connection with other embodiment(s) applies unless indicated otherwise.

As described herein, example embodiments of the present invention provide surgical closure systems, devices, and methods. As such, provided systems, devices, and methods are useful for closing a perforation (i.e., a hole, puncture, tear, rip, or cut, etc.) in any hollow vessel associated with a mammalian surgical procedure. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the systems, devices, and methods are useful for closing a perforation in any lumen of a mammal, including, for example, the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. the stomach, intestines, colon, etc.), heart, peritoneal cavity, esophagus, vagina, rectum, trachea, bronchi, or a blood vessel.

Although certain figures and embodiments relate to use of systems and devices for closure of a perforation associated with vascular surgery, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that components of a provided device are not size dependent (i.e., are scalable) and are therefore useful for closure of any perforation in a lumen of a mammal.

Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a closure system, device, and method of percutaneous closure of an arteriotomy following an endovascular/intra-arterial procedures.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many mammalian lumina are comprised of one or more friable tissues. Thus, a common difficulty associated with surgical closure of a perforation in such lumina is that suture material, used in typical closure systems, tends to cause tears in the friable tissue. Such tearing of the luminal tissue impedes healing and causes scarring. Indeed, such tearing of the friable tissues of the internal lumina of blood vessels can lead to scarring, dislodgment of tissue particles, blockage, or even eventual death of the patient. In view of the fragile nature of luminal tissues, an aspect of example embodiments of the present invention is to provide systems, devices, and methods that allow cseal to be formed closure of a tissue perforation in a reliable manner with minimal trauma to the luminal tissue, for example, by providing a sutureless seal.

With regards to the arterial wall morphology, in the context of example embodiments directed to closing arterial perforations, the fibrous adventitial layer of an artery (i.e., the outer layer) is relatively tough, whilst the intimal and endothelial layers are friable. Because of the morphology of the arterial wall, an arteriotomy may be circumferential in nature and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the artery.

Closure Device

Referring to FIG. 1A, a percutaneous Vascular Closure Device (VCD) 5 is configured to provide relatively large vascular closures. An example of an intended application of this device 5 is the percutaneous closure of 12-30 F arteriotomies following endovascular/intraarterial procedures. In clinical practice, commonly targeted arteries may include, for example, the common femoral artery, the subclavian artery, axillary artery, ascending aorta, brachial artery, and other vessels used for endovascular access. At the conclusion of the interventional procedure, the implant or device 5 is percutaneously delivered into the artery 2 via a procedural sheath 100 (illustrated, e.g. in FIG. 30) over a guidewire 150.

The device 5′ shown in FIG. 1B, differs from the device 5 only in that the device 5′ employs an extra-luminal pin 80 a that differs from an extra-luminal pin 80 of the device 5. In particular, referring to FIGS. 7C and 7D, the extra-luminal pin 80 a has a slot 85 a to facilitate the pin 80 a being moved into its distal or deployed position, as described in further detail herein, while the guidewire 150 remains in situ, whereas the extra-luminal pin 80 is configured to prevent full distal extension of the extra-luminal pin 80 when the guidewire 150 remains in situ. Aside from this difference, as well as the presence of the guidewire in certain views, the devices 5 and 5′ should be considered identical. Moreover, for the sake of conciseness, the description of the device 5 is considered interchangeable with the device 5′, except to the extent indicated otherwise.

FIGS. 1A to 1C illustrate final closure dynamics of the device 5, 5′ in situ in a sectioned artery 2, with FIG. 1A showing the device 5 after removal of the guidewire 150. The implant device 5, 5′ includes a body or foot core 20, a flexible wing 60, and the extra-luminal pin 80, 80 a.

All implant device components (e.g., the foot core 20, the flexible wing 60, and the extra-luminal pin 80, 80 a in the illustrated examples of FIGS. 1A to 1C) are manufactured from synthetic absorbable materials, although other suitable non-synthetic and/or non-absorbable materials may be used instead of, or in addition to, these synthetic absorbable materials. The flexible wing 60, the foot core 20, and the extra-luminal pin 80, 80 a may each be manufactured from any suitable material, e.g. Polydioxanone (PDO), Poly-L-lactide (PLLA), Poly-D-lactide (PDLA), blend of D-lactide and L-lactide, i.e. poly-DL-lactide (PDLLA), Polyglycolide (PGA), blend of Poly-L-lactide and Polyglycolide (PLGA), ε-Caprolactone, Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG), magnesium alloy, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, Polyanhydrides, poly(saccharide)materials or combinations of these. It should be appreciated, however, that any one or more of the components of the implant device 5, 5′ may be formed of any suitable material. Moreover, some or all of the components of the device 5 may be made of the same or different materials relative to each other. The flexible wing may be manufactured as a thin sheet, it may also be made of a woven material, e.g. using electrospinning, weaving and knitting processes.

FIGS. 1A to 1C represent each of these components in situ. The arteriotomy seal is achieved in large part by the hydraulic haemodynamic pressure, which acts on the flexible wing 60 to force the flexible wing 60 against the luminal surface and conform to the luminal topography to seal around the arteriotomy.

FIGS. 2A to 2D show the assembled implant 5 showing three components—foot core 20, flexible wing 60, and extra-luminal pin 80. Although the example illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2D consists of three pieces, it should be appreciated that more or few pieces may be provided. For example, the flexible wing 60 may be integrally formed with the foot 20 as a single, monolithic piece.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2C, a guidewire 150 extends through the implant 5. FIGS. 2B and 2D show the implant 5 after proximal retraction of the guidewire 150 and subsequent extension, or deployment, of the extra-arterial pin 80 to its distal, or deployed, position relative to the foot core 20.

FIGS. 2A and 2C show the implant 5 with the extra-luminal pin 80 in a retracted or undeployed state, and FIGS. 2B and 2D show the extra-luminal pin 80 in a distally extended or deployed state.

The implant 5 is inserted into the artery 2 through a procedural sheath 100 illustrated in FIG. 30 and over the guidewire 150, which extends through the sheath 100 and into the intra-arterial space.

Referring, for example, to FIGS. 3A to 3D, the foot core 20 includes both an intra-luminal section 25 which is configured to be maintained in the interior of the artery 2, or other tissue structure, when the implant 5 is in situ, and an extra-luminal section 40 which passes through the arteriotomy across the arterial wall when the implant 5 is in situ. The intra-luminal section 25 and the extra-luminal section 40 are separated at a recess 22, which is configured to receive the wing 60 such that a cylindrical recessed surface 23 is maintained inside a circular central cut-out or aperture 65 in the wing 60. The aperture 65 is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

It is noted that since some illustrated examples are provided in the context of an arteriotomy, the terms “intra-luminal” and “extra-luminal” may be referred to as “intra-arterial” and “extra-arterial” in the context of the illustrated embodiments, it being understood that the arteriotomy-closure application is non-limiting and the closure of any suitable tissue aperture may be performed by example embodiments of the present invention.

The extra-luminal section 40 of the foot core 20 is provided in the form of a neck 42 which extends from the intra-luminal section 25 at an angle, e.g. selected from a range from 10° to 70°, and has five primary functions:

1. Secure the flexible wing 60 within the recessed section 22. This recessed section 22 also provides an effective seal between the flexible wing 60 and foot core 20. In the example illustrated, e.g. in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the flexible wing 60 is free to rotate within this recess 22. It should be understood, however, that the engagement of the wing 60 in the recess 22 may be provided such that the wing 60 is not rotatable within the recess 22.

2. Secures and allows release of the entire implant to a delivery system via interlock recesses 45 in the neck 42. This functionality is described in further detail elsewhere herein.

3. Houses the extra-luminal pin 80 and secures it when deployed to its final position.

4. Houses a guidewire channel or conduit 50. The guidewire channel 50 is illustrated, e.g. in FIG. 3D.

5. The 10°-70° incline on the neck in combination with the extra-luminal pin 80, or 80 a, also provides, e.g. for safety purposes, protection against the implant being pushed off the luminal surface by application of extracorporeal pressure above the implantation site or due to patient movements.

The intra-luminal section 25 of the foot core 20 has a primary function to provide a rigid scaffold to support the flexible wing 60. The underside of the intra-luminal section 25 may be concave in cross-section to reduce its profile within the artery 2 and has a hollow entry portion or port 52 of the guidewire channel 50 adjacent the neck 42, shown in the sectioned foot core 20 of FIG. 3D.

FIGS. 4A to 4F show another foot core 20 a. This configuration has a circular intra-luminal portion 25 a in plan view and a concave surface 30 a which is concave in cross-sectional profile within the artery 2.

It should be appreciated that many variations of the intra-luminal portion may be provided, only a limited number of which are shown herein. For example, FIGS. 5A to 5B show another foot core 20 b having an intra-luminal portion 25 b that is generally rectangular in plan view and includes a concave bottom surface.

The flexible wing 60, FIGS. 6A and 6B, is a thin disc sized to be larger than the arteriotomy diameter (arteriotomy diameter is equivalent to the outer diameter of the delivery/procedural sheath 100). The central hole 65 and disc portion are circular in shape, in plan view. It should be understood, however, that other geometries may be provided for the hole and/or the disk portion of the wing 60. The central hole 65 is sized to accept recessed cylindrical surface 23 within the foot core 20's flexible-wing retention recess 22 shown, e.g. in FIGS. 3A and 3B, and is free to rotate relative to the foot core 20 about the concentric axis of the recessed cylindrical surface 23.

FIG. 6A shows the flexible wing 60 in its flat and relaxed state, and FIG. 6B shows the flexible wing 60 in its curved state, which corresponds to the final configuration within the artery 2. The curvature of the wing 60 shown in FIG. 6B corresponds to the curvature of the interior of the artery to which the wing 60 conforms in its final implanted state. When implanted, the wing 60 is pressed against the artery interior wall by hemodynamic hydraulic pressure exerted by the blood in the artery 2. Although the wing 60 is flat, or planar, in its relaxed state, it should be appreciated that the wing 60 may be curved or have any other suitable geometry in its relaxed state.

Referring, e.g. to FIGS. 1A to 1C, the flexible wing 60 is positioned within the artery 2 against the luminal surface 3 adjacent the arteriotomy and held in this position with the aid of the hemodynamic hydraulic pressure it acts as the primary seal around the arteriotomy to control bleeding. Referring to FIG. 1C, the wing 60 is illustrated slightly pulled away from the luminal surface 3 only to facilitate illustration.

In addition to elastically deforming to conform to the luminal surface 3 of the artery 2, the flexible wing 60 also elastically deforms to fit within the procedural sheath 100 for delivery into the artery 2. This is achieved by rolling the wing 60 into a cylinder-like configuration. Once within the artery 2, and beyond the procedural sheath 100, the flexible wing 60 intrinsically recovers towards its flat state to allow the hemodynamic hydraulic pressure in the artery 2 to conform the wing 60 to the shape of the arterial luminal and surface topography 3. In this regard, the elasticity of the wing 60 allows the wing 60 deform locally at differing areas of the luminal surface 3 of the artery 2. This allows the wing 60 to conform to local irregularities along the surface 3 to ensure that the arteriotomy is adequately sealed despite such irregularities.

The flexibility of the wing 60 is not just important in a lateral configuration to facilitate collapse during delivery, but it is also important to flex in a longitudinal plane. Flexibility in both lateral and longitudinal planes is important to ensure an effective seal around the arteriotomy of arteries in differing disease states with different surface topographies and varying anatomical configurations. Longitudinal flex is facilitated by the configurations shown, e.g. in FIGS. 2A-5D, by the flexible wing 60 and the foot core 20 being separate and distinct parts that are non-fixedly mated together. For example, since the wing 60 is not fixed to the foot 20, it is able to separate from the upper surface of the relatively rigid intra-luminal portion 25 of the foot core 20 at regions where the topography of the arterial surface 3 deviates or is disposed at a greater distance from the upper surface of the intra-luminal portion 25 than at adjacent regions of the surface 3.

Although the wing 60 has a circular outer periphery, it should be understood that the wing 60 may be provided with any suitable geometry. Further, although the wing 60 has a uniform thickness, it should be understood that the wing 60 may be provided with a thickness that varies at different regions of the wing 60. For example, the wing 60 could have a thickness in its central region that is greater than a thickness toward the circumferential periphery of the wing 60.

FIGS. 7A and 7B shows an assembled implant 5 in cross section. FIG. 7A shows the implant 5 in a state where the guidewire 150 would be in situ, as illustrated, e.g. in FIG. 32, or subsequent to removal of the guidewire 150. FIG. 7B shows the deployed implant 5.

The extra-luminal pin 80 is a safety feature of the closure system to prevent the implant being pushed off the luminal surface by application of extracorporeal pressure above the implantation site or due to patient movements. The extra-luminal pin 80 in the illustrated example does not generally contribute to or form part of the sealing function of the implant 5. The implant 5 will seal the arteriotomy in the absence of the extra-luminal pin 80 in accordance with some example embodiments. The extra-luminal pin 80 is deflected parallel to the artery 2 wall as it is advanced, as illustrated, e.g. in FIG. 7B. This deformation of the extra-luminal pin 80 helps secure it in its post deployment position. The pin 80 is also maintained in this position via a press fit between the proximal portion 82 of the pin and the proximal recess 47 of the foot core 20 into which the proximal portion 82 is pressed.

Depending on implant design and requirements, the extra-luminal pin 80 may also be used to occlude the guidewire hole within the foot core 20 when deployed, e.g. in a configuration such as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the pin 80 being illustrated in isolation in FIG. 7C. When deployed, as illustrated, e.g. in FIG. 7B, an enlarged proximal portion 82 of the extra-luminal pin 80 blocks the guidewire channel 50. In its proximal or retracted position, the pin 80 allows the guidewire 150 to pass through channel 83 in the enlarged proximal portion 82. When the pin 80 is moved into its distal or deployed position, the channel 83 does not align with the channel 50 in the foot core 20, thereby blocking the channel 50. In the proximal or retracted position, the guidewire is able to pass through both channels 50 and 83 since the channels 50 and 83 are sufficiently axially spaced apart.

It should be understood, however, that any other suitable mechanism may be provided for closing the guidewire channel 50. For example, again referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the formation of coagulated blood in the conically shaped entry portion 52 of the guidewire channel 50. The coagulated blood would then be pressed and locked into the narrowing conical geometry of the entry portion 52 by the hydraulic pressure exerted by the blood in the artery 2. To facilitate coagulation of the blood in the entry portion 52, the guidewire 150 may be left in place for, e.g. several minutes (e.g. 4 to 5 minutes). The presence of the guidewire may, during this period, induce sufficient clotting of the blood to form the closure in the entry portion 52. Then, upon retraction of the guidewire 150, the coagulated blood would compress and collapse to fill the void left by the removal of the guidewire 150.

Although the illustrated entry portion 52 of the guidewire channel 50 is conical, it should be appreciated that any suitable geometry may be provided. Referring to FIG. 7D, an alternative extra-luminal pin 80 a is shown with an additional slot 85 a to facilitate the pin 80 a being moved into its distal or extended position whilst the guidewire 150 remains in place.

Some alternative embodiments to the extra-luminal pin 80 shown, e.g. in FIG. 7C, are shown in FIGS. 8A to 12B.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, provided are a series of protrusions 80 c that, in the radially extended position of FIG. 8B, engage the extra-arterial subcuticular tissue to prevent the implant from being pushed forward. The protrusions 80 c are exposed and allowed to spring into their radially extended position by proximal retraction of an outer shaft sleeve 84 c configured to radially constrain and cover the protrusions 80 c when the outer shaft sleeve 84 c is in the distal position illustrated in FIG. 8A.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an extra-luminal pin 80 d attached to a suture 86 d, which when pulled proximally, flips the pin forward to engage the extra-arterial subcuticular tissue to prevent the implant being inadvertently pushed forward. The suture 86 d may include a series of knots 87 d to lock and hold the pin 80 d in any desired angle between the position shown in FIG. 9A and the position shown in FIG. 9B, depending on, e.g. tissue thickness and/or resistance. The suture 86 d, or any other suture described herein, may be formed of any suitable material. For example, any of the sutures described herein may be formed, in whole or in part, of a bio-absorbable material.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an arrangement similar to that shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In this arrangement, the extra-luminal pin 80 e is attached to a suture 86 e; however the pin 80 e has a pivot attachment or joint 81 e to connect to the foot core 20 e. By pulling the suture 86 e, the pin flips forward, via rotation about the pivot attachment 81 e, to engage the extra-arterial subcuticular tissue of the artery 2 to prevent the implant from being pushed forward. The suture 86 e may include a series of knots 87 e to lock and hold the pin 80 e in any desired angle between the position shown in FIG. 10A and the position shown in FIG. 10B, depending on, e.g. tissue thickness and/or resistance.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show an arrangement that is similar to that of FIGS. 10A and 10B, but without a suture. The pin 80 f has a pivot joint or attachment 81 f to the foot core 20 f activated by movement of an outer shaft sleeve 84 f to engage the extra-arterial subcuticular tissue of the artery 2 to prevent the implant from being inadvertently pushed forward. The sleeve 84 f may engage an angled surface of the pin 80 f to begin rotation of the pin 80 f about the pivot attachment 81 f. The pin may be moved to the position shown in FIG. 11B by any suitable mechanism. For example, the pin 80 f may be spring biased toward the position shown in FIG. 11B, with the sleeve 84 f, disengaging a latch, detent, or other mechanism that maintains the pin 80 f in the position shown in FIG. 11A.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show an extra-luminal T-bar 80 g attached to the end of a suture 86 g, which when pulled proximally, engages the T-Bar 80 g with the extra-arterial subcuticular tissue to prevent the implant from being inadvertently pushed forward. The suture 86 g may include a series of knots 87 g to lock and hold the pin 80 g in any desired angle or position between the position shown in FIG. 12A and the position shown in FIG. 12B, depending on, e.g. tissue thickness and/or resistance.

FIGS. 13A to 18 show variations on the configuration of the foot core.

The foot core 20 h of FIG. 13A has the intra-luminal portion 25 h off-set proximally, toward the rear of the neck section 42 h. The intra-luminal portion 25 h is circular in shape but the extra-luminal portion 40 h meets the intra-luminal portion 25 h at a location that is non-concentric to the circular cross-section of the intra-luminal portion 25 h. An advantage to this bias is that during delivery of the implant, specifically, as the delivery device is withdrawn from the artery to position the implant against the arteriotomy, the biased intra-luminal portion 25 h offers more security or overlap between the intra-luminal portion 25 h of the foot core 20 h and the distal wound edge of the arteriotomy to prevent inadvertent pull-out from the artery.

The foot core 20 i of FIG. 13B is similar to the foot core 20 h of FIG. 13A, but with a larger angle between the intra-luminal section 25 i and the neck 42 i of the implant. The larger angle has the advantage of further encouraging the heel of the intra-arterial implant to remain within the artery 2 during withdrawal of the delivery device 90 and positioning the implant against the lumen adjacent to the arteriotomy to prevent inadvertent pull-out from the artery 2. This assumes a constant withdrawal angle of the delivery device (described in additional detail herein) of 60 degrees. However, a larger angle increases the tolerance on the withdrawal angle and still ensures the implant hooks or otherwise engages the rear wall of the arteriotomy. The increase in angle between the neck 42 i and intra-luminal foot section 25 i may be limited by what will reasonably fit through a loading funnel, which is described in further detail elsewhere herein.

To increase the flexibility of use, for example, another variation is to make the neck flexible. For example, FIG. 14 shows a foot core 20 j with a flexible neck 42 j. The neck 42 j of the implant transitions from a round cross-section at its distal section to an elliptical cross-section at its proximal end. This allows the neck 42 j to flex during its insertion through the loading-funnel.

Further variations to that shown in FIG. 14 is to articulate the implant relative to a delivery device as shown in FIGS. 51A to 51C. These configurations allow articulation between the delivery device and the implant. Securement of the implant to the delivery device is achieved by securing paddles or interlock projections 165 k, 165 m of retaining tubes 160 k, 160 m of a delivery device in place in corresponding interlock recesses 45 k, 45 m and preventing them from moving in a lateral direction by providing an external sleeve, such as, e.g. a release sleeve such as release sleeve 175 described in further detail herein.

The configuration of FIGS. 51A and 51B differs from that of FIG. 51C in that the interlock recesses 45 k of FIGS. 51A and 51B extend laterally entirely though the wall of the neck 42 k, whereas the recess 45 m of FIG. 51C does not.

Further variations to impart flexibility to the implant neck is shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. Here, the flexibility is imparted via a reduced cross section in at least a portion of the neck 42 n, 42 p. The configuration of FIG. 15A differs from that of FIG. 15B in that FIG. 15A has a reduced cross-sectional geometry in only a portion its extra-luminal portion, whereas the configuration of FIG. 15B has a constant narrow cross sectional geometry along its extra-luminal portion.

FIG. 51D shows a variation on the attachment of the implant to the delivery device. In particular, the interlock projections 165 r of the retaining sleeve 160 r have hooked portions that extend laterally inwardly to engage recesses 45 r.

FIG. 16 shows a further embodiment of the foot core. This configuration differs in that the foot core 20 t has no retaining feature to secure the flexible-wing to the foot core 20 t. That is, the foot core 20 t does not have a recess or any other particular mechanism configured to retain the wing 60 on the foot core 20 t. In this example, the flexible wing 60 may be secured by an interference fit between the foot core's neck 42 t and the central opening 65 within the flexible wing 60. This may facilitate the assembly of the flexible wing 60 onto the foot core 20 t.

Referring to FIGS. 17A to 17C, a further variation of this concept is to assemble the flexible wing 60 onto the neck 42 u of the foot-core 20 u and then secure the wing 60 in place by the addition of a through pin or the further assembly of a collar 195 u with an interference fit between the collar 195 u and foot core's neck 42 u. The collar 195 u may further be secured by one or more projections configured to engage with corresponding one or more recesses in neck section 42 u.

FIG. 18 provides another extra-luminal pin 80 w. In this example, an additional feature to secure the extra-luminal pin 80 w within the foot core 20 w is to incorporate a taper lock when the enlarged proximal or rear portion 82 w of the extra-luminal pin 80 w engages with the foot core 20 w.

The conical taper lock between the extra-luminal pin 80 w and the foot core 20 w relies, in this example, on the foot core taper being at a lesser angle than the taper on the mating surfaces of the extra-luminal pin 80 w. This taper-lock not only enhances the lock between the two components 80 w, 20 w once positioned relative to each other, but also improves the potential fluid seal between the two components with respect to sealing the guidewire channel 50 w.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 27, a further closure device or implant 5 y includes all of the features of the other closure devices, e.g. closure device 5, except to the extent indicated otherwise.

The closure device 5 y includes a foot core 20 y having a profile that is “hybrid” in that it shares geometric features with both a round foot core, such as, e.g. the foot core 20 a shown in FIG. 4A, and an elongated foot core, such as, e.g. the elongated foot core 20 shown in FIG. 3C. Referring for example, to FIG. 27, the hybrid foot core 20 y has rounded portions 56 y and projecting portions 57 y.

The rounded portions 56 y extend around the portion of the foot core 20 y that extends through the flexible wing 60 to provide increased lateral surface area of the foot core 20 y, adjacent the opening in the wing 60 and the arteriotomy to be sealed. This region of increased lateral surface area provides for a greater sealing between, e.g. the foot core 20 y and the wing 60.

The projecting portions 57 y give the intra-luminal portion of the hybrid foot core 20 y an elongated shape. This elongated shape further limits the ability of the foot core from being inadvertently pulled back through the arteriotomy when the operator is setting the closure device 5 y in into its implanted position.

Thus, the hybrid foot core 20 y may provide the sealing advantages of a wide or rounded foot core as well as the setting benefits of an elongated foot core.

The geometry of the hybrid foot core 20 y provides support to the artery in both a longitudinal direction and transverse direction. Although the foot core 20 k has a circular central region, it should be understood that any suitable widened geometry, e.g. oval, square, rectangular and/or polygonal, with rounded and/or sharp corners. This central region provides a flaring out of the profile of the intra-luminal portion of the foot core 20 k in the region where the neck of the foot core 20 k passes through the flexible wing 60.

In a manner analogous to that of the device 5 illustrated, e.g. in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the pin 80 y may be used to occlude the guidewire hole within the foot core 20 y when deployed, e.g. in a configuration such as illustrated in FIG. 21. When deployed, as illustrated, e.g. in FIG. 21, an enlarged proximal portion 82 y of the extra-luminal pin 80 y blocks the guidewire port or channel 50 y. In its proximal or retracted position, the pin 80 y allows the guidewire to pass through channel 83 y in the enlarged proximal portion 82 y. When the pin 80 y is moved into its distal or extended position, the channel 83 y does not align with the channel 50 y in the foot core 20 y, thereby blocking the channel 50 y. In the proximal or retracted position, the guidewire is able to pass through both channels 50 y and 83 y since the channels 50 y and 83 y are sufficiently axially spaced apart.

Referring, for example, to FIG. 25, the channel 83 y in the pin 80 y is elongated to allow for increased freedom of movement of the guidewire within the channel 83 y.

FIGS. 28A to 28B show a front perspective view of a foot core 20 z that differs from the foot core 20 y in that the lateral portions 56 z are partially flattened to provide a reduced width. This flattening or facing results in two flat surfaces 58 z. By reducing the width of the foot core 20 z relative to the foot core 20 y, greater clearance is provided between the foot core 20 z and the loading funnel 396 or loading cannula 335 described in further detail herein. This allows a larger diameter or thicker flexible wing 60 to be loaded by facilitating more clearance and hence, a larger amount of the flexible wing 60 to overlap within the loading funnel and loading cannula thereby reducing the potential for premature and unfavorable interaction between the footcore and overlapping flexible wing.

Nevertheless, the foot core 20 z may provide similar benefits to the rounded portions 56 y due to the lateral projection of the portions 56 z relative to the width of the lateral portions 56 z relative to the width of the projecting portions 57 z. As with the foot core 20 y, this increased width is provided at a location adjacent the location where the extra-luminal portion 40 z extends through the aperture in the flexible wing 60.

Thus, the foot core 20 z reduces the width of the lateral projections, but only to an extent that does not substantially affect the sealing between, e.g. the foot core 20 z and the wing 60.

As with the foot core 20 y, the foot core 20 z may provide the sealing advantages of a widened or rounded foot core as well as the setting benefits of an elongated foot core.

Referring to FIG. 29, which is not drawn to scale, the wing 60 includes an anterior surface 61, which contacts the luminal surface of the artery when implanted, and a posterior surface 64, which faces the lumen of the artery and the blood flow when implanted.

The anterior surface 61 and/or the posterior surface 64 is provided with an altered wettability, i.e., a change in surface energy from the native, e.g. smooth, surface finish. This change in wettability may be provided in the form of electrical charge, surface texture, protein attachment, mechanical scraping, chemical etching, laser etching and/or other etching, shot blasting (using various shot media), plasma discharge, manufacturing process that encourage functional end groups at the surface, and/or any other suitable form. This change in surface energy encourages cell (or thrombocyte) attachment or adhesion directly or via protein attachment, extracellular matrix and/or adhesion molecule to the luminal surface of the flexible-wing or, conversely, discourage cell or protein attachment. In the illustrated example, the wettability of the anterior surface 61 is increased in order to encourage attachment or adhesion. Cellular attachment or platelet aggregation on the luminal surface 61 of the flexible wing 60 aids and expedites sealing as well as anchoring the intra-arterial implant. This change in surface energy also encourages the adhesion, via a change to the surface tension of the modified material, to the surrounding soft tissue.

Referring to example embodiment of FIG. 29, the anterior surface 61 of the wing 60 is roughened, e.g. abraded, to created grooves or channels 62 having a depth 63 on the order of, for example, 1-100 μm. In some examples, the depth may be on the order of 7-10 μm. It should be understood, however, that the depth 63 may fall within a substantially larger, smaller, and/or different range. The area of abrasion may be continuous or provided in a patterned arrangement. These channels or grooves 62 facilitate cell attachment (e.g. leukocytes, erythrocytes and particularly thrombocytes) and aggregation. As indicated above, this aggregation of cell promotes thrombogenesis which also forms an attachment to the luminal wall of the artery above the wing 60. This cellular attachment to both the artery wall and anterior surface of the wing 60 may act as a secondary seal. The cellular attachment to the surface 61 of the wing 60 may occur, for example within seconds of the wing 60 being implanted.

The posterior surface 64 is relatively flat in the illustrated example. It should be understood, however, that the posterior surface 64 may be provided with a texture in some example embodiments. Further the posterior surface 64 may be provided with any other mechanism of altered wettability, either increased or decreased, as may be suitable.

Delivery System for Delivering the Closure Device

The closure device 5 is designed to be delivered into the artery 2, or other suitable location, via the procedural sheath 100 used in the interventional procedure over a guidewire 150 in the illustrated examples. Hence, the delivery sequence may start with the sheath 100 and guidewire 150 in situ within the vessel 2. The procedural sheath 100 of the illustrated example includes a hub 110 containing a valve and typically a side arm 120, as illustrated, e.g. in FIG. 30. In particular, FIG. 30, shows an 18 F introducer sheath 100 having hub 110 with valves and side-arm 120.

The side arm 120 may be used, for example, to inject contrast to confirm the position of the sheath 100 relative to the arteriotomy or pressured saline to prevent the sheath 100 from back filling with blood. The valve assembly within the hub 110 is provided to allow the introduction of devices of varying diameters into the sheath 100 and prevents blood loss through the rear of the sheath 100. The guidewire 150, which extends through the longitudinal lumen of the sheath 100, is provided as a safety feature which allows percutaneous re-access to the arterial lumen as a contingency if needed.

Referring to FIGS. 31A and 31B, a delivery system 1 includes a delivery device 90. The delivery device 90 has a handle 93 at its proximal end and a flexible shaft 92, which attaches to the implant 5 at the distal end. FIGS. 31A and 31B show the implant attached at distal end of the delivery device and within artery 2.

The shaft 92 includes three flexible concentric slidable tubes 155, 160, 175. The inner tube (pusher-tube 155, illustrated in FIG. 7A) is configured to push the extra-luminal pin 80 from its proximal delivery position, as shown, e.g. in FIG. 2A, to its distal post deployment position, as shown, e.g. in FIG. 2B. The pusher-tube 155 has an internal diameter sized to accept the guidewire 150. The middle tube (retaining-sleeve 160) and outer tube (release-sleeve 175) in combination retain and release the implant which is attached to the distal end of the delivery system as shown in FIGS. 33A to 33C.

Referring to FIG. 35, the handle 93 is attached to the proximal end of the shaft 93 and is used to control the relative position of the implant 5, push the extra-luminal pin 80 and release the implant 5. As shown in FIG. 35, the handle 93 has its right-hand-side external cover removed from the mated left-hand-side cover 94 to expose the internal components of the handle 93.

Handle components: With reference to FIG. 35, the thumb button 180 activates the push-tube 155 to push forward the extra-luminal pin 80. The retaining-sleeve anchor 169 anchors the retaining-sleeve 160 to the handle 93 in a fixed position. The release-sleeve hub 177 connects the release sleeve 175 to a slide switch 185, which when slid proximally or backwards pulls the release sleeve 177 backwards or proximally relative to the retaining sleeve 160 to release the implant 5.

FIG. 52 shows another handle 200 configured to be mated to the shaft 92 in manner analogous to the handle 93. The handle 200 includes: a first housing portion 205, a second housing portion 210, a guidewire extension tube 215, a pusher tube hub 220, a retaining sleeve hub 225, a release sleeve hub 230, a lock member 240, and a thumb slider 250.

The thumb slider 250 is configured to move along a linear guideway formed by housing 203, which includes the first and second housing portions 205 and 210. In particular, the thumb slider 250 is configured to move, due to, e.g. manual actuation by the thumb of a human operator, between a first position and a second position. The first position is shown, for example, in FIGS. 54A to 54F, and the second position is shown, for example, in FIGS. 55A to 55C.

The guidewire 150 runs through the pusher tube 155 and through the handle, including through the guidewire extension tube 215 and out the proximal or rear end of the handle 200. The guidewire extension tube 215 is supported by support ribs 216 of the housing 203.

The handle 200 is configured such that movement of the thumb slider 250 from the first position to the second position causes the extra-luminal pin 80 of the implant 5 to move from its proximal delivery position as shown, e.g. in FIG. 2A to its distal post deployment position as shown, e.g. in FIG. 2B.

The lock member 240 is configured to prevent the deployment of the extra-luminal pin 80 prior to removal of the guidewire 150 from the delivery device. The lock member 240 is configured to be pressed transversely into the housing 203 from a first position illustrated, for example, in FIG. 54B, to a depressed second position illustrated, for example, in FIG. 54D when the user wishes to unlock the thumb slider 250.

Referring to FIG. 53, the lock member 240 includes a projection 248 that is received in a corresponding recess 213, illustrated in FIG. 52, of the housing 203. When the projection 248 is received in the recess 213, the lock member 240 is prevented from being depressed. In order to depress the lock member 240, the projection 248 must be moved out of engagement with the recess 213. This mechanism prevents, or at least reduces the likelihood of, inadvertent depression of the lock member 240 prior to insertion of the guidewire—for example, when the device is removed from its packaging, which is described in additional detail below.

In order for the operator to move the projection 248 out of engagement with the recess 213, the user applies a proximally directed force to the lock member 240. The lock member 240 includes a pair of slots 241 and 242 that allow a portion 247 between the slots 241 to be bend or flex with respect to the remainder of the lock member 240 when the operator applies the proximally directed force. Since the projection 248 is disposed on the portion 247, this bending of the portion 247 causes the projection 248 to move out of engagement with the recess 213, thereby allowing the lock member 240 to be depressed.

When the lock member 240 is in the non-depressed first position, a locking tab 244 extends into a space in the thumb slider 250 adjacent a locking surface 252, such that the interface between the locking tab 244 of the lock member 240 and the locking surface of the thumb slider 250 forms a positive stop to prevent the thumb slider 250 from moving axially away from the lock member 240. Since the lock member 250 is constrained to the housing 203 in a fixed axial position, the positive stop between the lock member 240 and the thumb slider 250 prevents the thumb slider 250 from being slid forward to its distal position, thus preventing the corresponding actuation of the extra-luminal pin 80 into its deployed position.

In order to unlock the thumb slider 250 to allow deployment of the extra-luminal pin 80, the user depresses the lock member 240 to move the lock member from its first position to its depressed second position, illustrated, for example, in FIG. 54E. In the depressed position, the locking tab 244 moves out of engagement with the thumb slider 250, such that the locking surface 252 of the thumb slider 250 does not contact the locking tab 244 of the lock member 240 as the thumb slider 250 is pressed and moved forward or distally to thereby deploy the extra-luminal pin 80.

To prevent the lock member 240 from being depressed prior to removal of the guidewire 150, the lock member 240 is provided with a through hole 243 through which the guidewire 150 passes during positioning of the implant 5. When the guidewire 150 extends through the through hole 243, as illustrated in FIGS. 54A and 54B, the lock member 240 is prevented from being depressed, since the guidewire 150 engages the through hole 243 to block the lock member 240 from moving laterally with respect to the guidewire and into the depressed position.

Although the lock member 240 is provided with a through hole in the illustrated example, it should be understood that any suitable geometry, e.g. a slot, notch, and/or flat surface, may be provided to engage the guidewire 150 and thereby block movement of the lock member 240.

FIG. 54B shows the guidewire 150 being removed from the device in the direction of the arrow superimposed on the housing 203, until the guidewire 150 is fully withdrawn as illustrated in FIG. 54C. After the guidewire 150 is withdrawn, the guidewire 150 no longer extends through the through hole 243, as illustrated, e.g. in FIG. 54C. Thus, the lock member 240 is no longer prevented from being depressed.

Referring to FIG. 54E, the lock member 240 includes a projection 246 that engages a first recess 201 when the lock member 240 is in the first position and that engages a second recess 202 when the lock member 240 is in the depressed second position. This engagement allows the lock member 240 to be retained in the respective first and second positions, but allows movement upon application of a force sufficient to overcome the engagement. Thus, the projection 246 and the recesses 201 and 202 function as detent mechanisms.

After the lock member 240 is depressed to disengage the lock member 244 from the thumb slider 250, as illustrated, e.g. in FIG. 54D, the user may slide the thumb slider 250 distally, in the direction illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 54F, until the slider reaches its distal second position, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 55A.

This distal movement of the thumb slider 250 results in deployment of the extra-luminal pin 80. As with the handle 93, the handle 200 achieves the actuation of the extra-luminal pin 80 from its delivery position to its deployed position by distally pushing the pusher tube 155. In particular, the proximal end of the pusher tube 155 is attached to the pusher tube hub 220, which is in turn coupled to the thumb slider 250. Thus, as the thumb slider 250 moves distally or forward, the pusher tube hub 220 is also moved distally or forward, thereby also moving the pusher tube 155 forward to push the extra-luminal pin 80 from its proximal position to its extended deployed position.

Referring to FIGS. 52 and 53, the pusher tube hub 220 includes grooves 221 that receive respective corresponding linear guide ribs or projections 206 in the housing 203 to function as a linear slide. One of the guide ribs 206 is illustrated as part of the first housing portion 205, the second housing portion 210 being essentially identical, but mirrored, with respect to the first housing portion 205. The pusher tube hub 220 also includes a projection 222 that is received in a corresponding recess or groove 251 of the thumb slider 250 to constrain the projection 222 and thereby transfer proximal and distal motion of the thumb slider 250 to the pusher tube hub 220.

As the thumb slider 250 and the pusher tube are pushed distally relative to the housing 203, the retaining sleeve 160 and the release sleeve 175 remain stationary with relative to the housing. Thus, the pusher tube 155 is pushed relative to the retaining sleeve 160 and the release sleeve 175, and therefore also relative to the implant 5 supported by the retaining sleeve 160 and the release sleeve 175.

The retaining sleeve 160 is maintained in its stationary position relative to the housing 203 by being mounted in a retainer hub compartment 207 of the housing 203, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 52 and 54A. In the illustrated example, the retaining sleeve is maintained in a stationary position relative to the housing 203 during all stages of operation of the surgical system. It should be understood however, that the retaining sleeve may be configured to move relative to the housing during one or more stages of operation of the system.

The release sleeve 175 is maintained in its stationary position relative to the housing 203 during the forward movement of the thumb slider 250 by distal and proximal stops of the housing 203 that engage the release sleeve hub 230 to constrain distal and proximal movement, respectively. The distal stop is formed by a projection or wall 209 of the housing 203, as illustrated, e.g. in FIG. 55B, while the proximal stop is formed by a hub lock 208 of the housing 203, as illustrated, e.g. in FIGS. 56A and 56B.

Referring to FIG. 53, a front face 231 of the release sleeve hub 230 contacts the distal stop and projections 232 contact the proximal stop. In the illustrated example, two projections 232 engage a pair of respective hub locks 208; however, it should be understood than any number of projections 232, including a single projection 232 may be provided to engage any number of hub locks 208, including a single hub lock 208.

After deployment of the intra-luminal pin 80, the next procedural step is to release the implant 5 from the delivery device. In order to do so in the illustrated example, the user needs to move the release sleeve 175 proximally relative to the retaining sleeve 160. The mechanism for releasing the implant 5 upon the relative motion between the release sleeve 175 and the retaining sleeve 160 is described in further detail elsewhere in the present description.

In order to move the release sleeve 175 proximally relative to the retaining sleeve 160, which remains stationary relative to the housing 203, (a) the proximal lock, which is the hub lock 208 in the illustrated example, must be disengaged from the release sleeve hub and (b) the thumb slider 250 engages the release sleeve hub 230 such that proximal movement of thumb slider 250 relative to the housing 203 causes corresponding movement of the release sleeve hub 230, and therefore also the release sleeve 175, relative to the housing 203 and the retaining sleeve 160.

Referring to FIGS. 53, 56A, and 56B, the thumb slider 250 includes a pair of cam sliders 253 that engage the respective hub locks 208 as the thumb slider 250 approaches its distal second position. In particular, the distal advancement of the ramped or sloped surfaces 254 a of the cam sliders 253 causes the hub locks 208 to move laterally and clear of the projections 232 of the release sleeve hub 230. Continued distal advancement of the thumb slider 250 causes the hub locks 208 to slide along flat surfaces 254 b of the respective cam sliders 253 to maintain the hub locks 208 in their disengaged positions.

The hub locks 208 may be configured as cantilevered projections from the housing 203 that flex in the lateral direction in the manner of a leaf spring, while maintaining sufficient rigidity in the axial direction to resist proximal movement of the release sleeve hub 230 when engaged therewith. Moreover, any other suitable proximal locking mechanism may be provided.

After the hub locks 208 are moved out of alignment with the projections 232 of the release sleeve hub 230, a clip member 255, which slides over a ramped or sloped surface 233 of the release sleeve hub 230, latches with the release sleeve hub 230 by engaging with distally facing latch surface 234 of the release sleeve hub 230.

After latching of the thumb slider 250 to the release sleeve hub 230, the operator moves the thumb slider 250 proximally to a proximal third position in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 57A, to retract the release sleeve hub 230 and the release sleeve 175 to the position shown in FIG. 57B. Although in the illustrated example, the proximal third position of the thumb slider corresponds to the proximal first position of the thumb slider, it should be understood that the first and third positions may be different.

The cam surfaces 254 a and 254 b are of sufficient length in the illustrated example to maintain the disengaged position of the hub locks 208 until the proximally directed faces of the projections 232 of the release sleeve hub 230 have proximally cleared the distally facing stop surfaces of the hub locks 208.

When the device is in the state illustrated in FIG. 57B, the implant 5 is released from the end of the delivery device via the proximal movement of the release sleeve 175 relative to the retaining sleeve 60.

The thumb slider 250 further includes a projection 256 that engages a corresponding recess 212 in the housing 203 when the thumb slider 250 is in the proximal position. This engagement allows the lock member 240 to be retained in the respective first and second positions, but allows movement upon application of a force sufficient to overcome the engagement. Thus, the projection 256 and the recess 212 function as a detent mechanism.

Prior to withdrawal of the distal end of the delivery device, the thumb slider 250 may be again moved distally, to a fourth position, as illustrated in FIG. 57C. Moving the thumb slider 250 to the distal fourth position causes the release sleeve 175 to move distally with respect to the retaining sleeve 160, which causes the distal end of the release sleeve 175 to at least partially cover the interlocking projections 165 of the retaining sleeve 160, which are illustrated, for example, in FIG. 33A. Re-covering or re-sheating these projections 165 may be advantageous to reduce the risk of trauma to the surrounding tissue as the delivery device is withdrawn from the percutaneous tissue tract.

Although in the illustrated example, the distal fourth position of the thumb slider corresponds to the distal second position of the thumb slider, it should be understood that the first and third positions may be different.

To facilitate passage of the release sleeve hub 230 distally past the hub locks 208, the release sleeve hub 230 may be provided with ramped or sloped chamfer surfaces 236, which are illustrated in FIG. 53. These surfaces 236, which slope downwardly as they extend distally along the release sleeve hub 230, engage the hub locks 208 as the release sleeve hub 230 is moved distally in order to move raise the hub locks 208 to prevent the hub locks 208 from axially blocking the projections 232 of the release sleeve hub 230.

The shaft 92 is designed to push the implant 5 down the procedural sheath 100 into the artery 2 and allow control of the implant's relative position by the user from the handle 93.

Implant retention and release: Referring, e.g. to FIGS. 33A to 33C, to secure the implant 5 on the distal tip of the delivery device 90, two profiled interlock projections 165 which extend from the retaining sleeve 160 engage into the implant's matching interlock recesses 45 in the neck 42 of the foot core 20. To ensure the profiled projections 165 remain engaged with the foot core 20, a release-sleeve 175 is positioned in a distal or forward location, as illustrated in FIG. 33C, to prevent the projections 165 from moving laterally outwardly.

To release the implant 5 from the distal tip of the delivery device 90, the release-sleeve 175 is slid back to expose the interlock projections 165 on the retaining-sleeve 160. The tip of the retaining-sleeve 160 is split longitudinally, via longitudinal splits or notches 167, to allow lateral movement of the interlocking projections 165, and the rear shoulders of interlocking recesses 45 on the foot core 20 may be ramped, as illustrated, e.g. in FIGS. 34A to 34B, to facilitate release of the implant 5 by pulling the delivery device 90 away from the implant 5. It should be understood, however, that any suitable geometry may be provided, e.g. a perpendicular edge, under-cut, etc, to mate with appropriate geometries of the interlocking projections 165.

Further, mating surfaces of the interlock projections 165 and the interlocking recesses 45 may be provided with one or more radial protrusions that engage with one or more corresponding radial recesses. For example, an interlocking projection 165 may include a plurality of radial protrusions that engage a corresponding plurality of radial recesses of a mated interlocking recess 45, or the interlocking recess 45 could be provided with the radial protrusions that mate with corresponding radial recesses of the interlocking projection 165. Further, the interlocking recess 45 could have at least one recess and at least one protrusion, the at least one recess and the at least one protrusion respectively mating with corresponding at least one protrusion and at least one recess of the interlocking recess 45. These various surface recess/protrusion configurations may provide a high level of securement (e.g. in the axial direction) between the interlocking projections 165 and the interlocking recesses 45. Moreover, these various surface recess/protrusion configurations may be provided alone or in combination with other interlocking mechanisms between the interlocking projections 165 and the interlocking recesses 45.

Although the interlocking projections 165 extend straight along the length of the retaining sleeve 160, it should be appreciated that the projections 165 may be flared outwardly, such that retraction of the release sleeve 175 allows the interlock projections 165 to spring outwardly away from their interlocking engagement with the interlock recesses 45.

Referring to FIG. 36, the loading funnel 95 is used to compress the flexible wing 60 of the implant into a cylindrical shape to allow it to fit within the procedural sheath 100 for delivery. The loading funnel 95 is also used to insert the compressed implant and delivery system into the procedural sheath 100 through the sheath's valve, as shown in FIG. 30. The loading funnel 95, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments, is used immediately prior to delivery to avoid storage of the flexible wing 60 in the compressed state and potentially taking a memory set shape in the compressed form.

The loading funnel in the illustrated example includes four components namely, the funnel or funnel body 96, cap 97, seal 98, and seal-retainer 99 shown in FIG. 36. It should be understood however that the loading funnel may have more or fewer components.

The cap 97 and seal 98 are pre-loaded on the shaft 92 of the delivery device 90 proximal to the implant 5. The funnel 96 is advanced over the implant 5, large opening end first, to compress the wing 60 into a cylindrical shape as the tapered section of the funnel 96 is advanced over the implant 5. The funnel 96 is advanced until the implant 5 is resident in the cylindrical section 130 of the funnel 96. FIG. 37 shows the relative positions of the funnel body 96, cap 97, and seal 98 to the implant 5 and shaft 92 of the delivery device 90 during advancement of the funnel 96 relative to the implant 5.

Once the implant 5 is disposed in the cylindrical section 130 of the funnel 96, the cap 97 is now attached to the funnel 96, which forms a seal with the delivery device's shaft 92.

FIG. 38 shows the relative position of the implant 5 within the funnel 96 after being loaded therein.

Loading funnel configurations: The loading funnel 95 in a very simple form may be a tapered funnel. However, to encourage the flexible wing 60 to fold when loaded into the funnel body 96, an alternative option is to provide a funnel body 96 a that includes a protrusion 132 a along the tapered section 131 a which extends into the cylindrical section 130 a, as shown in FIGS. 39A to 39C. With this option, the loading funnel 95 a is positioned relative to the flexible wing 60 to encourage one side of the wing 60 to be lifted above the opposite leaflet of the wing 60 during insertion.

Referring to FIGS. 40A and 40B, a third option is to have a splitable funnel 96 b for removal from the shaft 92 of the delivery device 90 once the implant 5 is delivered through the procedural sheath hub 110 and valve. Once the implant 5 is within the procedural sheath 100, the funnel 95 b may be withdrawn from the sheath valve, its cap 97 b then removed, and the funnel body or section 96 b may then be opened, via separation of two subparts connected at split line 134 to remove the funnel body 96 b from the shaft 92 of the delivery device 90.

The above-described loading funnel concepts require the cap 97, 97 a, 97 b to be pre-loaded onto the shaft 92 of the device 1 proximal to the implant 5 and the funnel 96, 96 a, 96 b to be advance over the implant 5 and shaft 92. Referring to FIGS. 41A and 41B, a fourth concept is to have the funnel 95 c pre-loaded onto the shaft 92, proximal to the implant 5, and advance the funnel 95 c distally over the implant 5 to compress the flexible wing 60 into the cylindrical section 130 c and into the cannula section 135 c of the loading funnel 95 c. The tapered section 131 c and cylindrical section 130 c of the funnel body 96 c is completely removable from the cannula 135 c, as illustrated in FIG. 42A. The loading cannula 130 a is cylindrical in shape and is used to insert the implant 5 and device 90 through the procedural sheath valve and into the procedural sheath 100 for delivery into the artery 2. The delivery cannula 130, 130 a and 135 c may be chamfered at it distal end to assist in penetrating the valve at the rear of the procedural sheath 100. As illustrated in FIG. 42A the funnel body 96 c has been removed after loading the implant 5 into loading cannula 135 c.

FIG. 42B shows the components of the loading funnel 95 c, including loading cannula 135 c, detachable funnel 96 c, end cap 97 c, seal 98 c, and seal retainer 99 c. The loading cannula 135 c and detachable funnel 96 c form the funnel body 95 c in this example. The proximal end of the delivery cannula 135 c is adapted to form a seal around the shaft 92 of the device 90 but allow the shaft 92 to axially slide relative to the cannula 135 c. This configuration of loading funnel 95 c also has the advantage of protecting the implant 5 during storage and handling of the device 90.

FIGS. 43A to 43M show alternative funnel bodies 96 d, 96 e, 96 f, 96 g, and 96 h. These funnel bodies 96 d, 96 e, 96 f, 96 g, and 96 h may be used in connection with, for example, the preloaded loading funnel 95 c shown in FIG. 41A, in place of funnel body 96 c, or in place of any of the other funnel bodies recited herein.

Referring to FIG. 43A, the detachable funnel section or body 96 d includes a longitudinal split 140 d to facilitate removal of the funnel section from the guidewire 150. This split 140 d may be a discontinuation of the component to provide a gap, or allow a gap to be formed (e.g. via flexing of the funnel body 96 d) for the guidewire 150 to pass there through during removal. This split may also be formed by physical removal of a strip of material from the funnel wall, for example as a peelable strip.

Referring to FIGS. 43B to 43D, the funnel body 96 e includes a weakened or notched section 145 e that allows the funnel wall, in this example, to have a continuous integral internal surface which can easily be split along the weakened or notched section 145 e. In the illustrated example, the weakened section is provided as a longitudinally extending groove or channel that weakens the structure of the funnel wall. The weakened or notched section 145 e may be split, for example, by manual exertion of force by an operator.

The open split arrangement of FIG. 43A and the weakened wall arrangement of FIGS. 43B to 43D may, in some examples, be notched at the beginning of the splits or pre-split weakened portions to allow ease of locating the guidewire into the split, e.g. to facilitate relative movement of the guidewire from the inner lumen of the funnel body to the exterior of the funnel body via the split.

For example, referring to FIG. 43E TO 43G, a split funnel body 96 f, which includes features analogous to the split funnel body 140 d of FIG. 43A, further includes a notch 142 f, which is continuous with the split 140 f.

It should be appreciated that a split or splittable funnel body concept is applicable to any funnel arrangement in the context of the present invention. Further, although the splits or split lines of the illustrated examples are coplanar with the longitudinal axes of the respective funnel bodies, it should be appreciated that the split or split line may be non-coplanar and/or have an irregular path.

Moreover, although the illustrated examples include a single split or split line, it should be appreciated that multiple splits or split lines or any combination of splits and split lines may be provided. Further, a respective split line may be split at one or more locations along the length of the split line and weakened so as to be splittable at one or more other locations along the split.

Other mechanisms for removing the funnel body may include, for example, cutting or tearing the funnel body, e.g. with a cutting tool, in the presence or absence of predetermined split lines such as the split lines described above.

FIG. 43H shows a perspective view of a staged funnel body 96 h that may be used in connection with, e.g. any of the funnel arrangements described herein. As shown, the staged funnel body 96 h includes two distinct tapered or funnel-shaped portions 162 g and 164 g separated axially by a constant-diameter (in this example, cylindrical) portion 163 g. Sections 161 g and 130 g are at opposed axial ends of the funnel body 96 h and are, in this example, cylindrical. The staged funnel body 96 provides a progressive folding of the implant in two distinct sections.

FIGS. 43J to 43M show an offset funnel body 96 h, which may be used in connection with, e.g. any of the loading funnel arrangements described herein. In this arrangement, the overall central axis A of the funnel body 96 h is nonlinear, such that the central axis along the enlarged introduction portion 171 h is offset with regard to central axis along the narrowed cylindrical portion 172 h, with a transition provided along tapered or funnel-shaped portion 173 h. In this embodiment, the off-set funnel body 96 h biases the shaft of the delivery device and hence the flexible-wing to the side of the funnel as illustrated. It may be advantageous for the funnel body 96 h to be at a particular orientation relative to the implant 5 during loading.

Although the tapered geometry of the various funnel bodies described herein may in some examples be illustrated as being conical or of a constant taper angle, it should be understood that curved and/or irregular tapers may be provided in addition, or as an alternative, to the illustrated funnel bodies.

FIGS. 44 to 50 show a delivery sequence in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

The delivery of the implant 5 starts with the procedural sheath 100 and guidewire 150 percutaneously positioned in situ.

The delivery sequence depends on which variant of loading funnel is used. For example, if any of the loading funnel shown in FIGS. 36 to 40B are used, then the first step may be to load the loading funnel onto the guidewire 150. If, for example, the loading funnel shown in FIGS. 41A to 42B is used then this step may be omitted. For simplicity the following sequence describes an exemplary delivery method using the loading funnel 95 shown in FIGS. 36 to 38.

Step 1: Back load the guidewire 150 into the foot core 20 and the shaft 92 and handle 93 of the device 90. This step is generally illustrated in FIG. 44.

Step 2: Insert the implant 5 into the funnel 96 to compress the flexible wing 60, and place the cap 97 and seal 98 (as well as retainer 99) onto the rear of loading funnel 96. This step is generally illustrated in FIGS. 45A and 45B.

Step 3: Insert the loading funnel 95 (and the other components of the device 90), which houses the implant 5, into the hub 110 and valve 115 at the rear of the procedural sheath 100. This step is generally illustrated in FIGS. 46A and 46B.

Step 4: As illustrated in FIGS. 47A and 47B, the delivery device 90 and implant 5 are advanced down the procedural sheath 100 into the artery 2 to deliver the implant 5 into the arterial lumen (just distal to the procedural sheath tip) of the artery 2. Alternatively, the implant may be delivered into the arterial lumen by being advanced down the procedural sheath 100 into the artery 2 to deliver the implant 5 just proximal to the procedural sheath tip, then holding the delivery device 90 stationary (once the implant is positioned at the sheath tip) and withdrawing the sheath 100 over the delivery device 90 the required amount to expose the implant 5. This avoids pushing the exposed implant 5 upstream within the artery 2.

Step 5: Withdraw the procedural sheath 100 from the artery 2 and position the implant 5 in juxtaposition to the arteriotomy. The implant 5 is now controlling the bleeding from the arteriotomy. This step is generally illustrated in FIG. 48.

Step 6: Once confirmed that the implant 5 is correctly positioned and effecting a seal, the guidewire 150 is withdrawn, the extra-luminal pin 80 is deployed, and the implant is released. This step is generally illustrated in FIGS. 49A and 49B.

Step 7: Withdraw the procedural sheath 100 and delivery device 90 from the tissue tract to leave the implant (foot core 20, flexible wing 60, and extra-luminal pin 80) implanted to complete the delivery of the implant 5 and sealing of the arteriotomy. This step is generally illustrated in FIG. 50.

The above delivery sequence steps outline a method of implant deployment, there are many possible variants on this sequence to suit clinical requirements or preferences. For example, it may be advantageous to leave the guidewire 150 in situ through the implant after implant release, to maintain arterial percutaneous access, and remove the guidewire 150 when judged clinically appropriate. In this regard, it is noted that, as indicated above, in some embodiments, e.g. the version having extra-luminal pin 80 a, the guide wire may remain in place even after deployment of the pin.

Referring to FIGS. 59 and 60, the loading funnel/cannula assembly 395 includes a loading cannula 335 and an offset loading funnel 396 analogous to the loading funnel 96 h shown, for example, in FIG. 43J. Referring to the exploded view of FIG. 60, the cannula 335 includes a cannula tube 336, a cannula cap 397, a cannula seal 398, and a cannula seal retainer 399 that function in a manner analogous to other like components described herein, e.g. the components of the assembly illustrated, e.g. in FIG. 42B.

Closure Product and Packing

FIG. 58 shows a packaged product 300, that includes a surgical device 301 packaged in a protective tray 400. The surgical device 301 includes the same features of the other analogous example devices described herein, except to the extent indicated otherwise.

The surgical device 301 includes, inter alia, the handle 200 as described in additional detail herein, and a loading funnel/cannula assembly 395, which is analogous to other loading funnel/cannula arrangements described herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 58, the surgical device 301 is held in a recess 405 shaped to closely match the geometry of the surgical device 301 by tabs or projections 410.

The product 300 is configured such that the device 301 is removable from the tray 400 by proximally pulling the device 301 from the tray 400. In this example, the offset loading funnel 396 is retained in the tray as the remainder of the device 301 is withdrawn proximally from the tray.

To remove the device from the tray, the operator grips handle 200 protruding from the proximal end of the tray 400, e.g. between the thumb and fingers. While holding the tray 400 in the opposite hand or supporting the tray on a suitable surface for stability, the user may withdraw the device 301 proximally in a straight smooth continuous motion until the device 301 is completely free of the tray. Since the funnel 396 is retained in the tray 400 as the remainder of the device 301 is withdrawn, the implant 2 held by the device 301 moves proximally along the loading funnel/cannula assembly 395 such that the flexible wing of the implant 5 is folded by the funnel as the implant progresses toward the loading cannula 335. Upon further pulling the device 301, the implant 5 moves into the tube 336 of cannula 335, which maintains the folded configuration of the implant 5 until the implant 5 is deployed along the guidewire as described in further detail herein with regard to other examples.

Upon further retraction of the device 301, a positive stop engages between the loading cannula 335 and the shaft of the device 301, such that the cannula 335 is pulled away from and breaks free of the loading funnel 396. Upon further retraction of the device 301, the device 301 is freed from the tray, with the loading funnel 396 retained in the tray.

Referring to FIG. 61, the positive stop that engages between the cannula 335 and the shaft of the device 300 is formed between a loading cannula retaining ring 360 and the cap 397 of the cannula 335.

The device 300 includes an alignment mark 175 that extends longitudinally along the device 300 to provide a visual indication that the device 301 is properly rotated with respect to the tray 400 and the offset loading funnel 396 to ensure that the wing of the implant 5 is properly folded by the funnel 396. Geometric engagement of the device 301 with the tray 400 also facilitates this alignment. The alignment of the offset funnel 396 is facilitated by the geometry of the tray 400, the recess 405 of which is shaped to match the offset of the funnel 396 to thereby resist rotation of the funnel 396.

The tray 400 also includes a cover 450 that prevents inadvertent actuation of the lock member 240, thumb slider 250 or any other operable mechanism of the handle 300 while the device 301 is in the tray 400.

The tray 400 may provide a specific and defined atmosphere for storage of the implant pre- and post-sterilization, which may further add to increasing the post-sterilization shelf-life stability of the polymer from which the exemplary implant 5 is formed. One such mechanism is the use of a controlled atmosphere, specifically one where excessive moisture is reduced by means of use of a vacuum or low moisture containing dried gases such as nitrogen, argon, etc. Furthermore, the use of packaging materials with a low moisture vapor transmission rate, for example orientated polypropylene (OPP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyethylene (PE), foil-based packaging materials (e.g. aluminium), or combinations thereof, in combination with a low moisture environment can further aid in enhancing the stability of the polymeric material post-sterilization.

FIG. 62 shows the components of the device 301 once removed from the tray 400, with the implant 5 being folded and loaded into the loading cannula 335. The device 301 further includes an insertion mark 380 that provides the operator with a visual indication of how deep to insert the device 301 into the procedural sheath 100.

FIG. 63 shows a loading funnel 500 configured for loading of the closure implant 5. The loading funnel 500 generally shares the features of the other loading funnels (e.g., loading funnel 95 c) described herein, except to the extent indicated otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 63, the loading funnel 500 has four distinct zones 501, 502, 503, and 504, each having a specific function during the loading of the implant 5 into the loading cannula 530. These four zones 501, 502, 503, and 504 may ensure that the wing 60 is not damaged during the loading process.

The packaging zone protects the implant 5 from packaging (e.g., protective tray 400 illustrated in FIG. 58) and user during shipping and prior to use of the product. As illustrated in FIG. 64, the implant 5 is positioned in this zone 501 during manufacture assembly and is therefore at this position at the beginning of the loading procedure. The wing 60 is in its open position and does not need to touch the internal surface of the funnel 500 to bias its form or position in the state illustrated in FIG. 64. Further, maintaining the wing in the protective packaging zone 501 in its relaxed, or unbiased, position ensures that the polymeric wing 60 does not take a memory set due to being stored in a folded or biased configuration.

Referring again to FIG. 63, the narrowed zone 502 ensures that the implant wing 60 folds downwardly under the implant foot core 20 rather than above the foot core 20. If, during loading, the wing 60 folds upwardly above the foot core 20, this may result in damage to the implant wing 60 as it is drawn into the loading cannula 530. This damage may result in less than optimum sealing when the implant is placed in an artery or other tissue. It should be noted that the funnel becomes narrowed at the narrowed zone 502 when compared to the packaging zone 501.

The front face of the narrowed zone 502 includes a pair of sloped surfaces 512 angled to match the angle of the foot core 20 (i.e., the angle formed between the length of the foot core and the longitudinal axis of the loading funnel 500). This ensures that any curvature of the wing 60 does not cause the wing 60 to fold upwardly. As the implant is withdrawn into this narrowed section of the funnel, the wing is forced downwards relative to the foot core 20 by the walls of the funnel.

The overlap zone 503 allows one side of the implant wing 60 to pass over or under the other side. This stops the edges of the wing from butting into each other, an action which can result in damage to the wing. This may be achieved via an overlap guide comprised of, for example, a channel 510. As the implant is withdrawn into the overlap zone 503, one side of the now folded down wing 60 runs down into the channel 510, lowering that side of the wing which allows the other side of the wing to pass over it, thus eliminating the possibility of implant wing 600 edge-butting. The overlapping of the opposite sides of the wing 60 while the wing 60 is passing over the channel 510 is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 66.

Referring to FIG. 79, an alternative to having a channel 510 to allow the wings to overlap is a raised rib 515 that runs proud along the length of the overlap zone 503. The intent of the rib 515 is to lift one side of the implant wing 60, thereby allowing the other side to pass under it, thus eliminating the possibility of implant wing edge-butting.

Referring to FIG. 80, the proximal end of the loading cannula zone 504 houses the loading cannula 530. The inner diameter of the funnel 500 just distal of the cannula 530 is smaller than that of the loading cannula 530 so that the implant wing cannot catch on the tip of the cannula as it is proximally drawn inside the cannula 530. Further, the loading cannula 530 is orientated to the loading funnel 500 such that the angle of the cut edge of the loading cannula 530 is sloped towards the center of the loading cannula 530 to provide smooth entry of the folded wing 60.

Referring to sequential illustration of FIGS. 64 to 69 and the sequential illustration of FIGS. 70 to 78, the funnel 500 may be used at the start of a procedure to load the implant 5 into the loading cannula 530. The funnel 500 is housed in the tray 400 and held stationary as the device is withdrawn from the tray. As the implant is withdrawn through the funnel 500, the wing 60 is folded down under the foot core 20 and the edges are overlapped allowing the implant 5 to be pulled into the loading cannula 530 in the folded, or wrapped, configuration.

Referring to the sequential illustration of FIGS. 64 to 69, FIG. 64 shows the implant wing 60 in an open position in the packaging zone 501. FIG. 65 shows the implant wing 60 being progressively folded down as it passes proximally through the narrowed zone 502. FIGS. 66 and 67 show the implant wing 60 in an overlapped state (i.e., rolled or folded over onto itself) as it passes proximally through the in the overlap zone 503. FIG. 68 shows the implant in its folded state in the loading cannula. As illustrated, the folded implant 5 is prepared for direct insertion into an artery and is optimally orientated for insertion and closure and needs no other manipulation. It should be understood, however, that in some implementations secondary manipulations (e.g., further folding) may be utilized after the implant 5 is in the position shown in FIG. 68 and, e.g., prior to insertion in the artery.

In the position shown in FIG. 68, the implant 5 is orientated within the loading cannula 530 to allow insertion of the guidewire 50 discussed in further detail above. In this regard, the loading cannula 530 is open at its proximal end to allow insertion of the guidewire 50, which may be placed, for example, before the wing 60 is folded as it is retracted through the funnel 500 and into loading cannula 530.

In the illustrated implementation, the implant 5 may be delivered in reverse direction of loading such that the loading and delivery system is not a “through” system. It should be understood, however, that other implementations may incorporate through systems whereby the implant is delivered to the implantation site in the same direction as the loading direction relative to the loading cannula 530.

As illustrated, the funnel 500 may advantageously include distinct zoned areas within funnel to eliminate incorrect reverse folding of the implant wing 60 and provide distinct features, for example, (a) ensuring that the implant wing 60 folds correctly down under the implant foot core 20, (b) ensuring that during the implant loading and folding process, the implant wing lateral edges do not crash or butt into each other; rather, that there is a biased lifting and/or lowering of one lateral side of the wing 60 relative to the other, (c) narrowing the funnel orifice to ensure continuous folding of implant 5 during the loading cycle, (d) providing a final inner diameter of funnel being of a smaller dimension as compared to that of the loading cannula 530 and orientation of the loading cannula 530 relative to the funnel 500 is such that the implant wing 60 does not catch on the tip of the cannula 530 as it is withdrawn proximally into the interior of the cannula 530, and (e) provide a pull-through system with “front-to-back” withdrawal with the proximal or back exit delivering the folded implant into the cannula 530. It should be understood that other features may be provided and/or that one or more of these listed features may be omitted in some alternative implementations.

Potential advantages of the loading funnel 500 may include, for example, (a) distinct and predetermined withdraw, loading, and folding zones, (b) correction of any possible incorrect positioning of the implant wing 60 during the initial loading process, (c) ensuring that the implant wing 60 folds correctly and downwardly under the foot core 20, (d) ensuring that the wing edges do not butt together or crash, via the biased lifting or lowering one side of the wing, and (e) loading of the implant 5 in a biased folded orientation into a loading cannula 530 for transfer into an introducer sheath to allow implantation. It should be understood that other potential advantages may be provided and/or that one or more of these listed advantages may not be provided by some alternative implementations.

FIGS. 81 to 90 show alternative funnel configurations.

Referring to FIG. 81, a loading funnel 500 a provides a slot 515 a (formed, for example, by removing material on the underside of the funnel) to enable the implant wings 60 not to meet together against a solid surface and be trapped by the implant foot. Instead, with this configuration, as the implant 5 is withdrawn into the funnel 500 a, the wing 60 can partially protrude into or through the slot 515 a with a bias for one side portion of the wing 60 so that one side portion will always be lower than the other, thereby ensuring the wing side portions are biased to overlap each time. The flexible funnel tab 516 a seen in FIG. 81 is configured to gently guide the overlapped implant wing sides back inside the funnel and also enable the foot to be deflected back up without it hitting a stop point.

FIG. 82 shows a funnel 500 b similar to that of FIG. 81 except that the funnel 500 b includes a inboard scoop 517 b which is all in the line of draw of the core plus a modification to the lower cavity is used rather than an open surface.

FIG. 83 shows a funnel 500 c that differs in that the lower funnel shape is changed in the critical area where the implant wing sides touch and the implant foot has the potential to trap them. This shape is elliptical making it deeper in height than it is in width. This allows more space for the wing side portions to furl, meet and then pop over each other before the foot comes into contact with them. This is all in the line of draw of the core plus a modification to the lower cavity.

FIG. 84 shows a funnel 500 d that uses a non-symmetrical inner funnel surface to fold the wing side portions more rapidly and get them to overlap before the foot 20 comes into proximity. This is achieved by designing convex walls 518 d (e.g., dimpled) on the. These convex aspects can be offset from the center line of the funnel path so as to bias one wing side portion from the other in order to get repeatable folding. Alternatively, concave versions or a mix or concave plus convex portions could be provided with the intention to bias the wing folding.

FIG. 85 shows a funnel 500 e that is similar to that of FIG. 82, but uses a trajectory inboard scoop 519 e which tapers away completely as it progresses proximally. This may be, for example, all in the line of draw of the core.

FIG. 86 shows a funnel 500 f that has a dimple 521 f to lift one side of the implant edge relative to the other, at a position just before the edges currently touch thereby allowing planned folding of the wing side portions relative to each other.

FIG. 87 shows a funnel 500 g that is similar to that of FIG. 86, but includes a dimple 521 g that is extended to create an elongated ramp surface.

FIG. 88 shows a funnel 500 h that is similar to that of FIG. 87 but the ramp surface 522 h has been extended out to provide a smooth surface over the full length of travel.

FIG. 89 shows a funnel 500 i that includes an exaggerated tear-drop shape to the inner lumen of the loading funnel to ensure bias in the overlapping and folding of the implant 5 as it is withdrawn up through the loading funnel 500 i.

FIG. 90 shows a funnel 500 j that includes a further exaggerated tear-drop profile as compared to that of the funnel 500 i of FIG. 89, whereby an additional provision to allow the overlapping aspect of the implant wing side portion can be guided underneath the opposite wing side portion to further ensure bias in the overlapping and folding of the implant 5 as it is withdrawn up through the loading funnel 500 j.

Although some example embodiments have been described herein in the context of vascular closure applications, it should be understood that the various mechanisms and concepts described herein are not limited to vascular applications and are applicable to any suitable applications that require closure of an aperture in a tissue.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular examples and exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the foregoing description is in no manner limiting. Moreover, the features described herein may be used in any combination. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for folding an implant having a wing into an overlapped configuration, the device comprising: a funnel body having a substantially smooth inner funnel surface, comprising a first portion to receive and protect the implant when the wing of the implant is in a relaxed state, a second portion proximal to the first portion to engage and fold opposite first and second side portions of the wing of the implant in a predetermined direction when the implant is retracted proximally from the first portion of the funnel body and into the second portion of the funnel body, and a third portion comprising an overlap guide comprising a groove in the inner funnel surface in direction of a longitudinal axis of the third portion to direct the path of a first one of the side portions of the wing such that the first and second side portions of the wing are overlapped in a predetermined manner and to prevent respective edges of the first and second side portions of the wing from butting into each other as the first and second side portions of the wing are guided into the overlapping configuration during proximal retraction of the implant relative to the funnel body, wherein the groove is disposed such that the groove causes a cross-section of the third portion having the groove, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, to be non-symmetric.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the funnel body comprises four distinct zones including a first zone corresponding to the first portion of the funnel body, a second zone corresponding to the second portion of the funnel body, a third zone corresponding to the overlap guide of the funnel body, and a fourth zone corresponding to the location of a loading cannula that is separable from the funnel body.
 3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a loading cannula separable from the funnel body and configured to receive the implant from the funnel body after the implant has been converted to its overlapped configuration via proximal movement of the implant through the funnel body.
 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein, at an interface between the funnel body and loading cannula, an internal diameter of the funnel body is less than the internal diameter of the loading cannula such that the implant does not catch on a proximal edge of the loading cannula as the implant is moved proximally into the loading cannula.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second portion includes sloped surfaces configured to engage the side portions of the wing in a manner that forces the side portions to be folded in a predetermined direction.
 6. A method of loading an implant having a flexible wing into a loading cannula, the method comprising: retracting the implant proximally through the device according to claim 1 until the implant is disposed in the loading cannula; and separating the loading cannula from the funnel body. 